Many people travel to Hawaii to enjoy the beautiful beaches and relaxed lifestyle. However, there are many outstanding national parks within this archipelago. Many of them preserve the stunning scenery and natural beauty, while others include more modern memorials and historic sites.
It is made up of 137 volcanic island clusters that stretch across the Pacific. This makes it possible to see dramatic cliffs and craters, as well as peaks, from all over the region. The national parks of Hawaii offer stunning views across the Pacific, including steamy rainforests or picture-perfect beaches. You can enjoy all sorts of outdoor adventures with the Aloha State’s crumbling temples and ancient archaeological sites.
8. National Historic Trail Ala Kahakai
Hiking along the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is a wonderful way to explore Hawaii’s rich culture, history and heritage. It winds its way through the beautiful shores of Hawaii’s Big Island passing hundreds of Ancient Hawaiian settlements with breathtaking views.
The trail is broken up into smaller segments and stretches over 175 miles along Orchid Isle’s western and southern coastlines. The trail follows an exact route that ancient fishermen used, with some parts also being completed in canoe. You will find ruins from many centuries-old shrines, temples, homes, fishponds, and petroglyphs along the trail.
Some sections of the scenic sites and areas are well preserved, but others are untended, overgrown and lead to lava rocks or crumbling cliffs. You can enjoy the magnificent views and fauna of the coastline, as well as the ancient settlements.
7. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
DreamstimeThe Pearl Harbor National Memorial is a moving and important site. It commemorates the famous attack on Pearl Harbor that launched the United States into WWII. Visitors can visit the museum’s waterfront on Oahu to learn more about the surprise attack, Pacific Theater, and even take a boat ride to the US Arizona Memorial.
Many memorials and monuments can be found along the peaceful harbour, where you may pay respects to fallen servicemen. Over 2,400 Americans lost their lives on that fateful day, and 12 ships were also sunk. With its exhibits in museums covering the events surrounding the air attack and how it ended, informative plaques show the story of the tragic event.
It is as sad to peruse the authentic artifacts, exhibits, and historical photos as it is to listen or hear from survivors. It is worth visiting the nearby USS Bowfin Museum or USS Missouri Memorial after you have explored their excellently designed displays and galleries. Because they offer you even more insight into those tragic days.
6. Kalaupapa National Historic Park
DreamstimeAlthough it’s now known as “The Friendly Isle”, the Moloka’i was not always so friendly and welcoming. Kalaupapa National Historic Park preserves two colonies of lepers where the poor lived in isolation for their entire lives.
The incurable disease was first introduced to the archipelago in 1830 by foreign workers. It continued to infect many people for the rest of the century. To stop the spread of leprosy, both the Kingdom of Hawaii and the State of Hawaii forced the exile of patients suffering from the disease to Kalaupapa, a remote, idyllic peninsula. Visitors can explore quarantine station’s churches, houses and other medical facilities.
The site was used between 1866-1869. Only a handful of brave adventurers make it to this refuge every year. Because you need to have a permit, and because the wild areas are difficult to reach by foot or via a steep trail along the cliffsides, this is partly why. Visitors are treated to stunning views and white-sand beaches.
5. Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site
(c) DreamstimePuukoholaheiau, located on the northern coast of Big Island’s Big Island, is another fascinating historical site. It preserves the remains of an ancient temple, but there are many other buildings, trails, and a museum you can explore.
Kamehameha, the Great, took over most of western and northern Hawaii in 1782. He built an enormous sacrificial temple as a way to please the god of war. It was built by thousands of people, and Puukohola Heiau (or the ‘Temple on the Hill of the Whale) grew in less than a year. It reached a staggering 220 feet at its peak, with the massive red lava rocks visible miles away.
You can walk around this sacred spot and learn all about the civil wars that ravaged the island in the late 1800s. The park is a place of unity and long-lasting peace. It also houses a museum and some ruins.
4. National Historical Park Kaloko-Honokohau
(c) DreamstimeAnother great spot is located just half an hour down the coast. This place can be visited if you are interested in learning more about Hawaii’s fascinating culture and traditions. You can take a tour of the Kalokohau National Historical Park. It features reconstructed buildings, old fishponds, and an ancient settlement on the coast.
It was established in 1978 on the Kona Coast. There are hundreds of archeological features, including some stone walls, fishtraps, and religious sites. They show how Hawaiians made use of this land to make the most out of the abundance of marine life. You can find beautiful petroglyphs, fishermen’s tracks and the remains of a once flourishing settlement that was established over 1000 years ago.
You can learn about the beliefs of these people and how they made this lava-scarred area their home. But, it’s also possible to enjoy spectacular scenery and beautiful nature. It protects wildlife by allowing seals to be sighted regularly in the beautiful waters.
3. Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
(c) DreamstimeYou’ll find the Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park if you travel a little further along the Big Island’s West Coast. It also protects an extraordinary site, a place where Hawaiians fled certain death after breaking one of the important laws in society.
The park is large enough to allow you to explore not only the coastal villages and fishponds, but also a royal compound with its temples and homes. You can visit the ruins, read about them and take photos of intricately carved statues. Its ruins offer fascinating insight into ancient life and law.
You can also watch live canoe weaving demonstrations and basket weaving demonstrations. There are also performances and games that incorporate centuries-old traditions. The park has beautiful coral gardens and you can explore its tidepools.
2. Haleakala National Park
c) ShutterstockThe gigantic Haleakala, which accounts for more than three quarters of Maui’s total landmass, is believed to be the world’s largest dormant volcano. It is now a part of the national park. The lunar landscapes offer a wonderful experience with numerous scorched cinder cones, lava caves and other features.
The park was established in 1916. Its beautiful moonscapes span most of its eastern side. There is also a wild and wet Kipahulu coast. The park’s beautiful rainforests and sparkling waters contrast starkly with the desolated lava fields and landscapes that have been destroyed nearby.
Some people visit the volcano to splash in the sea, but most climb up its side and descend into the crater. It is a memorable experience, with spectacular sunrises and sunsets at its summit of 10,023 feet. The park is also known for stellar stargazing and can be seen from high up.
1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
c) ShutterstockHiking or camping in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the highlight of any Aloha State trip. It is also home to Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on Earth and Kilauea, which erupted nearly every day from 1983 to 2018.
The park is a popular spot to visit with many thousands of tourists each year. You can also see the giant fissures and large lava tubes, as well as their smoking vents. Also, you will be able to observe their smoldering cones and lava flows gradually creeping across their already torturous terrain.
The five volcanic cones with their towering summits and lava-scarred slopes make the National Park’s most distinctive feature. But there is plenty more to discover. There are many beautiful beaches and historic ranches, as well as ancient Hawaiian archaeological sites. The visitor center offers a great overview of the region’s rich history.
Hawaii Map of National Parks
Faqs
Hawaii Volcanoes national park Located on the Big Island, the crown jewel of Hawaiian parks boasts both the world’s most active volcano – Kilauea – and the world’s largest volcano – Mauna Loa.15-Aug-2014
Hawaii is home to several national parks and 50 state parks that pay tribute to the islands’ unique beauty and native culture.
Hawaii’s largest island is the only one in the state with five national parks—four official parks and one National Historic Trail. Two active volcanoes. A temple built on the orders of Kamehameha the Great.25-Oct-2011
The United States has 63 national parks, which are Congressionally-designated protected areas operated by the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior. National parks are designated for their natural beauty, unique geological features, diverse ecosystems, and recreational opportunities.
1. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hawaiʻi Island.26-Aug-2020
Hawaii’s largest island is the only one in the state with five national parks—four official parks and one National Historic Trail. Two active volcanoes. A temple built on the orders of Kamehameha the Great.25-Oct-2011